Canada Updates Express Entry System To Address Labour Shortages And Support Bilingualism

• These modifications were implemented to solve employment shortages and promote bilingualism in Canada.

Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has updated the Express Entry system by introducing a new category for education employment and revising existing occupation lists.

These modifications were implemented to solve employment shortages and promote bilingualism in Canada.

According to Immigration News Canada (INC), the new education category will target teachers, educators, and support professionals.

Express Entry, a popular immigration route for skilled workers, using a points-based Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).

Key revisions for 2025 express entry draws

Introduction of education vocations category

The Education category, which debuted on February 27th, 2025, wants to attract professionals in the education industry such as teachers, early childhood educators, and school aides.  This change is in response to the rising demand for educators as a result of teacher shortages and an expanding student population.  The category has five new occupations:

• Elementary and secondary school teacher assistants
• Instructors of individuals with disabilities
• Early Childhood Educators and Assistants
• Elementary school and kindergarten teachers
• Secondary School Teachers

Removal of the transportation category

The IRCC has decided to eliminate the Transport category from the list of eligible jobs for Express Entry drawings.  This development reflects a shift in Canada’s labor market objectives, with healthcare and trades receiving more attention.

Expanded healthcare and social service occupations

Eight new vocations were added to the Healthcare and Social Services category to meet the increased demand in these sectors.  Pharmacists, social workers, and social and community service workers are among the newly expanded roles.

Meanwhile, six jobs were eliminated, including educational counselors and traditional Chinese medicine practitioners.

Priority Categories for 2025 Express Entry Draws

In 2025, IRCC has established four priority categories for Invitations to Apply (ITAs):

• French language proficiency
• Healthcare and Social Services  Occupations
• Trade occupations.
• Educational occupations

These categories will see more regular and focused drawings, providing more possibilities for qualified individuals.

Complete breakdown of occupations and changes

Healthcare and Social Services

The healthcare industry underwent considerable changes, with eight new jobs added, including pharmacists and social workers.

However, other positions, such as educational counselors, were eliminated.

This move is intended to represent Canada’s commitment to increasing healthcare access and addressing community health needs.

STEM occupations

The number of qualified vocations in the STEM categories has decreased.  There were no new positions introduced, and 19 jobs were eliminated, including computer engineers and software developers.

This drop may indicate a shift in focus away from tech occupations in order to fulfill the demands of other industries such as crafts and healthcare.

Trade occupations

The trades category has grown dramatically with the addition of 19 new jobs, including contractors, roofers, and electricians.  This shift reflects the increased demand for skilled labor in the construction and infrastructure sectors, which include various vocations related to building and rehabilitation.

Agricultural and food-related occupations

The Agriculture and Agri-food categories now include two new positions, focusing on landscape contractors and agricultural service contractors.  This upgrade benefits Canada’s agriculture business and food production demands.

Eligibility and how category-based express entry generates work

To qualify for category-based Express Entry drawings, candidates must meet the minimum eligibility standards, including being qualified for one of the following programs:

• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
• Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

Candidates that fit the criteria for a certain category are ranked based on their CRS scores, with the highest-ranked candidates receiving Invitations to Apply (ITA).

Candidates can increase their chances and CRS score for category-based Express Entry drawings by taking the following steps:

Meet the eligibility conditions: Determine your eligibility for one of three programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), or the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).

• Improve your language scores by taking language tests in English and/or French.
• Receive a job offer.  A legitimate job offer from a Canadian firm will significantly boost your CRS score.
• Gain additional work experience: additional job experience, particularly in a skilled occupation, will help you improve your score.
• Educational credentials: Completing higher education or having your credentials evaluated by the Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) might boost your CRS points.
• Apply with your spouse:  If relevant, a spouse’s language skills and work experience can help boost your CRS score.

Target specific categories: Candidates who meet the requirements for high-priority categories, such as healthcare or trades, are more likely to obtain an Invitation to Apply (ITA), as these categories have more regular draws.

• Candidates can raise their CRS ratings by strengthening their language skills, acquiring work experience, or securing a job offer.
• The 2025 modifications to the Express Entry system reflect Canada’s changing immigration goals.  The creation of the Education category, together with expansions in healthcare and trades, illustrates the government’s commitment to solving important worker shortages.

• These improvements create new opportunities for skilled individuals, particularly in education and trades, while still emphasizing bilingualism and healthcare access.